A new holistic conceptual framework for sustainability oriented hospitality innovation with triple bottom line perspective

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the dimensions for “sustainability-oriented hospitality service innovation (SOHSI)” in the context of food and beverage (F&B) industry. For this to be done, the relationship between service innovation dimensions and the triple bottom line (TBL) dimensions (including social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability) is investigated. Design/methodology/approach In this study, primarily a detailed literature review was carried out to specify the dimensions of service innovation in hospitality industry and sustainability as well. Then, fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, was used to reveal the causal relationship within these dimensions. Findings A framework is presented to help F&B organizations make their innovative services more sustainable. F&B servicing companies should focus especially on “environmental entrepreneurship,” “interior design” and “brand management” dimensions to get benefit underway to gain competitive advantage. Originality/value In hospitality industry where competition is increasing every day, it is necessary to create brand-new services or offer renowned services via diversified ways, to step forward from competitors. In this regard, it is important for companies to ensure that every innovative service should be sustainable. Until now, researchers have mostly studied environmental dimension of sustainable service innovation. However, there are no studies evaluating sustainability concept with the TBL approach. Therefore, this study contributes to the field of sustainability in hospitality service innovation.